Beam E4, Trex 450 or something else?

[Motomikey]

Hi guys.

Ok, I've got the sim (Pheonix) and I've got the TX (DX6i), but now my affections turn towards my first heli...

I've been reading many good things about many heli's and I reckon I've maybe whittled down my preferences to either a Beam E4 or a T-rex 450 SE V2.

I'm not a seasoned RC techy like many on here, but I am quite handy and have a keen eye for detail when it comes to intricate mechanical stuff - So I'm not too phased with the prospect of building something from the ground up (like the Beam E4).

I love things with quality and fine detail, and I'm sure both of these heli's will deliver - with maybe the Beam edging it ever so slightly.

There is one thing that might sway my decision...

How much useful knowledge of RC heli's will I gain if a) I get a Beam and build it from scratch or b) I get a ready built T-rex 450 and just add the electrical bits and repair any crash damage as and when it happens?

...or is building a Beam just too much for a total RC noob to take on?

Also, roughly how much would the build cost of these two heli's be?

As always, opinions welcomed and gratefully appreciated. Thanks,

Mike

[Twisted]

RTF dont stay that way for long so at some point you will get your hands dirty when rebuilding parts that have broken. my advice would be go for the one thats the parts are easy to obtain, nothing worse than waiting ages for parts to get up flying.

if you do get a RTF/ARTF take time and look at all the moving parts and how they work together, this can help you under stand whats going on in the air and if you get problems on what is the cause. thats the great thing about building it ground up you get a good knowledge of the parts and how they work

[J-S-Q]

generally, you would build the TRex 450 from a kit as well. Both helis are reasonably similar in terms of their mechanical complexity. Personally I have a TRex but the Beam is said to be a slightly better heli. You can't go wrong with either but the only thing I would bear in mind is that if you are a beginner then the massive availability of Align spare parts could be a good reason to go with the TRex.

Building either one of these is definitely not too much for a beginner as long as you take time and care, and do some reading up about it -there's loads of stuff on the net, more so for the TRex.

[J-S-Q]

I definitely agree with Twisted that building your own heli from a kit is the best way to go.

[glen_j]

go for the beam (i'm buying one) as long as you take your time i'm sure you'll be fine building one and if you have any questions when building yours i'm sure you'll find all the answers you need right here

[moonmanflyer]

I would go for the Beam E4 myself, my son has one and am very impressed by the build quality, next step on from the 450 V2, but align are responding to this by bringing out a V3 in the near future.

[J-S-Q]

Incidentally, if you haven't already seen them, you should check out these videos on building and setting up a TRex -I found them absolutely invaluable when I first started:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=11373

And these ones for the Beam:

http://www.helifreak.com/showthread.php?t=59486

Hope it's not bad form to link to another forum.

[Eddie]

Heli Porn....

How could you not want one of these.....

[heliward0]

i am waiting to see wot the t-rex 450 se V3 is like before i upgrade my 450se v2 .. (wait is nearly over too!!!)

[Tmac]

Has to be a BEAM, I am learning to fly and find it very stable. Also helps that Rob from http://www.evorc.com/ is really helpful as well.

[Motomikey]

Thanks people!

I have to admit that I've been captivated by the stunning looks of the Beam since I purchased my wee Buzzfly from Buzz Flyer. I ogled over the photos of the Beam like some teenage boy who's just discovered what the internet is for. Needless to say, the wife didn't believe me when I told her I was up half the night looking at pics of RC heli's... most of the time anyway

I also read through a great build blog on here for the Beam, but I reckoned there was much more complexity in that than just a standard build. In that blog there was also a sort of 'crash and fix' cost comparison between it an the trex 450 and there wasn't much between the two.

I know the trex 450 would also be a great heli which is why I have the dilemma in the first place, but in my head I'm flying the Beam E4 (like a 3D pro of course ) but I just wanted to know what you guys thoughts on it were.

I think the general consensus is a complete ground-up build whatever the model.

So how much of a build cost difference between the Rex and the Beam? (just roughly)

Thanks again,
Mike

Ps. I bet you guys are just sitting there thinking "How eager is this guy to blow all his cash!"

[Motomikey]

Has to be a BEAM, I am learning to fly and find it very stable. Also helps that Rob from http://www.evorc.com/ is really helpful as well.

How did you find the build Tmac? How long did it take you?

[moonmanflyer]

The build is the easiest one i have done bar align, in fact so close it is hard to split, excellent componants, excellent clear manual, a couple of tricky bits but nothing any first timer would find difficult

[Motomikey]

The build is the easiest one i have done bar align, in fact so close it is hard to split, excellent componants, excellent clear manual, a couple of tricky bits but nothing any first timer would find difficult

That's good to hear. Thanks moonman.

I do like a challange... but I also like it to be a 'smooth' challenge

[richieclarkie]

Generally, those that have owned a Beam E4 would recommend the Beam over a 450. Those that haven't owned a Beam E4 will recommend the 450 V2.

The V3 has a Torque Tube and I think thats a really bad idea in a small heli. It will increase your crash cost and it's simply not necessary.

Build quality of Align stuff is alway in question although overall I think it's alright. They always seem to make stuff "just" good enough.

From reading your initial post I would be suprised if you didn't love the Beam if you bought one.